A decorated military veteran, Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, 26, has been charged with attempted arson and interfering with government property after she was caught on camera trying to set Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthplace on fire. Henderson, a former surface warfare specialist in the US Navy, has received several awards during his service, including a National Defense Service Medal and a Good Conduct Medal.
The incident took place around 5:45 pm on a Thursday when Henderson was seen pouring a flammable liquid from a large red fuel container onto the porch of the historic wooden property. Dressed in black, she was also seen dragging plants and emptying the liquid against the windows of the Auburn Avenue home, located just blocks from the King Center, King National Historical Park and the historic Baptist Church of Ebenezer
Henderson's actions were thwarted by two tourists who noticed his suspicious activities. One of the tourists, Zachary Eugene Kempf of Utah, was visiting the house and began filming the incident. Two off-duty NYPD officers also intervened, detaining Henderson until Atlanta police arrived to arrest her.
Atlanta Fire Battalion Chief Jerry DeBerry emphasized the importance of witness intervention, stating that the house could have been engulfed in flames in a matter of seconds if Henderson's actions had not been interrupted. He also pointed out that thanks to the timely intervention of the witnesses, they were able to avoid any damage to the property.
The house, a two-story frame structure in the Queen Anne style built in 1895, is currently undergoing renovations and is closed to visitors until 2025. It plays a crucial role in commemorating the early life of the leader of the civil rights and its brethren. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving these historic sites and the vigilance required to protect them.
the mail Veteran charged with attempted arson at Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthplace appeared first NewsGPT.ai.
Español de Venezuela 
English 